Things to Do at Princess Cays from a Cruise Ship
A first-time visitor’s breakdown of beaches, food, and getting around the Princess Cays cruise port
Princess Cays often shows up as a quiet beach stop on a Princess cruise (and sometimes Carnival Cruise), but first-time visitors usually have questions. Do you need an excursion, where should you sit, and is it worth getting off the ship at all? Those decisions feel bigger when the port is a private island, and you only have one day to figure it out.
I visited Princess Cays, walked the entire resort area early, and paid attention to what actually matters once you step off the tender. This post breaks down what there is to do, where the quieter spots are, how food and drinks work, and what’s truly worth planning ahead so you can enjoy a relaxed, low-stress beach day that fits how you like to cruise.
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About Princess Cays
Princess Cays is a private island stop designed for a slower, beach-first kind of port day. It sits on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island and focuses on space, calm water, and easy ways to relax without a packed schedule.
Instead of attractions and timed activities, the island is set up for wandering, grabbing a drink, and settling into a chair by the water. It’s the kind of place where you can do a lot or very little and still feel like the day was well spent.
You may see Disney ships in the area, as Disney Cruise Line also uses Eleuthera Island, but their resort areas are completely separate from Princess Cays.
Is Princess Cays a Tender Port
Yes, Princess Cays is a tender port, which means you’ll take a small boat from the ship to the island. The ride is short and straightforward, and tenders run continuously throughout the day.
Tender tickets are usually available around mid-morning, and getting off early makes a noticeable difference. Arriving sooner gives you more choice in seating, easier walking paths, and a quieter first impression of the island.
Things to Do at Princess Cays
Most people come to Princess Cays for beach time, and that’s where the day naturally starts. The shoreline is wide and open, with calm water and plenty of space to spread out without feeling crowded.
Beach chairs are free and easy to find, especially if you arrive early. There are also some shaded options, which go quickly, so getting off the ship sooner helps if shade matters to you.
Relax on the Beach and Swim
The water near shore is clear and calm, making it easy to wade in or cool off without committing to a full swim. I didn’t snorkel, but I did see fish near the edge while walking along the water, which gives you a good sense of what to expect.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to the right after you cross the wooden bridge from the tender area. This side of the island tends to be less busy and feels more relaxed throughout the day.
Try Light Water Activities
Princess Cays offers casual water activities that don’t require much planning. You’ll see rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and aqua bikes, all located near the water.
There’s also a snorkel boat ride excursion for those who want a more structured experience. For many first-time visitors, staying close to shore and keeping the day flexible works just as well.
Walk Around and Explore the Island
One of the things I enjoyed most was simply walking the island. The distances are short, the paths are easy, and it’s simple to explore without rushing.
On the quieter side of the island, you’ll find volleyball and pickleball courts, along with easy access to food and a bar. There’s also a lookout stand you can climb for a great view of the beach and the surrounding area.
Grab Food and Drinks When You’re Ready
Food is set up to be convenient rather than formal. The barbecue options include burgers, hot dogs, and chicken, which makes it easy to eat when you’re hungry and get back to the beach.
Bars are spread out around the island, and Princess drink packages work here. You can grab a drink, wander, and settle back into your chair without needing a set schedule.
Best Areas to Set Up for the Day
Where you sit at Princess Cays can shape how the entire day feels. Getting off the ship early gives you more choice, especially if you want a quieter spot or a chair in the shade.
If you cross the wooden bridge and head to the right, the area feels more relaxed and less crowded. This side is close to the barbecue, a bar, snorkeling access, and courts for volleyball and pickleball, making it easy to settle in without moving around much.
The main beach area near the tender dock stays lively and convenient, especially for restrooms and walk-up bars. If you plan to wander, both areas are close enough that you can explore first and then choose what fits your pace.
How Easy is Princess Cays to Get Around
Getting around Princess Cays is straightforward and doesn’t require much planning. Most people move around on foot, and the distances between beaches, food areas, and bars are short.
The terrain is mostly flat, with clearly marked paths and open spaces. Sand wheelchairs are also available, which helps make the island more accessible for a wider range of travelers.
Is Princess Cays Rocky
Parts of Princess Cays have a mix of sand and small rocks, especially near the water’s edge. Most beach areas are sandy and easy to walk on, but you may notice rocks once you step into the water.
Water shoes aren’t required, but they can be helpful if you plan to wade in or explore near the shoreline. If you prefer soft sand underfoot, staying closer to the main beach areas is usually more comfortable.
Food Options at Princess Cays
Food at Princess Cays is casual and easy, which fits the relaxed pace of the island. The barbecue options include burgers, hot dogs, and chicken, making it simple to grab a meal and get back to the beach.
I chose to return to the ship for lunch and meet my husband, who stayed onboard that morning. That flexibility is one of the things I liked most about this stop. You can eat on the island, head back to the ship, or split the day between both without feeling rushed.
Does the Drink Package Work at Princess Cays
Yes, Princess drink packages work at Princess Cays, which makes ordering easy once you’re on the island. Bars are spread out, so you don’t have to walk far to grab a drink and head back to your chair.
I found it convenient to order without thinking about payment while walking around. As long as you stay within the resort area, your medallion covers drinks and most purchases, which keeps the day simple and relaxed.
Is a Private Cabana at Princess Cays Worth It
Private cabanas at Princess Cays are well set up and clearly designed for comfort. They offer shade, seating, and a more secluded feel, which can be appealing if you want a quieter space for the day.
I didn’t rent a cabana, but I did take time to check them out. They’re a nice upgrade, especially for families or anyone planning to stay on the island all day, but they aren’t necessary to enjoy the beach or the overall experience.
Is a Clamshell Rental at Princess Cays Worth It
Clamshell rentals at Princess Cays offer built-in shade and a bit more privacy than standard beach chairs. They’re set up along the beach and are easy to spot once you arrive.
I didn’t rent a clamshell, but I did check them out while walking around. Since there were plenty of free chairs available when I arrived early, including some in the shade, I didn’t feel like a clamshell was necessary for a comfortable day.
What to Bring to Princess Cays
A few simple items make the day smoother once you arrive. Your medallion is essential for buying drinks and souvenirs within the resort area.
Bring a photo ID, reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. If you plan to leave the resort area, carry cash or U.S. dollars, since the Bahamian dollar and U.S. currency are both accepted.
My Personal Experience at Princess Cays
got off the ship early and walked the entire resort area before choosing a spot. The beach looked open and peaceful, with plenty of chairs and more shade than I expected.
I crossed the wooden bridge and explored the quieter side of the island. That area felt less crowded and sat close to the barbecue, a bar, and the volleyball and pickleball courts.
I climbed the lookout stand for a full view of the beach and shoreline. I spotted fish near the water’s edge while walking along the sand.
Later, I returned to the ship for lunch with my husband. He stayed onboard that morning to play pickleball, which made splitting the day easy and flexible.
Is Princess Cays Worth It
Princess Cays is worth getting off the ship if you want an easy, low-pressure beach day. It’s calm, uncrowded if you arrive early, and simple to enjoy without booking anything in advance.
What makes it appealing is the flexibility. You can walk the island, relax by the water, grab food or drinks, and leave when you’re ready. It works especially well for first-time cruisers who want a relaxing stop without planning around schedules or excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Princess Cays
These are the questions first-time visitors usually still have once they start planning their day. The answers below focus on what actually matters when you’re deciding how to spend your time at Princess Cays.
Princess Cays is a designated private resort area used by Princess Cruises. While it sits on Eleuthera Island, access is limited to cruise passengers on scheduled port days, and everything inside the resort area is set up specifically for cruise guests.
No excursion is required to enjoy Princess Cays. Many visitors spend the day relaxing on the beach, walking the island, swimming, and grabbing food or drinks without booking anything in advance.
Yes, Princess drink packages work throughout the resort area. You can use your medallion to order drinks at the bars without carrying cash. I’ve read that Carnival’s drink packages do not work, so please check on your cruise.
English is widely spoken throughout Princess Cays. Communication is easy for most visitors.
Within the resort area, purchases are made using your medallion. If you leave the resort area, both U.S. dollars and Bahamian dollars are accepted.
Wi-Fi is limited on the island. Most visitors plan to disconnect while ashore and reconnect once they return to the ship.
The Wrap-Up: Things to Do at Princess Cays
Princess Cays works best when you keep the day simple. With an easy, tender ride, plenty of space to spread out, and no pressure to book excursions, it’s a port that rewards a relaxed approach. Whether you walk the island, settle into a quiet beach area, or split time between shore and ship, it’s an easy stop to enjoy at your own pace.
